Grades: Timberwolves Shoot Lights Out in Denver

Nikola Jokić – B+

Jokić was excellent offensively, notching yet another triple-double and passing James Harden on the all-time list. Next up: Wilt Chamberlain.

However, he was outscored by Karl Anthony-Towns, as Denver failed to make anyone uncomfortable on the other end. That’s not all his fault, as the lack of perimeter defense is putting everyone in a tough spot. Still, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen Towns take it to him like that. The Wolves came out possessed, like a team who refused to drop 13 straight to the Nuggets. Jokić played well but never got a chance to control the game. Denver was playing catch-up from the jump.

Aaron Gordon – D+

Gordon looked fatigued, in (low back) pain, or both Wednesday night. He drew the Anthony Edwards assignment, and Ant dropped 38 points on 10 of 14 from deep without taking a single field goal attempt, which drew the ire of Michael Malone. Gordon struggled on both sides of the ball.

Will Barton – D+

Barton returned from an illness-related absence looked a lot like a man returning from an illness-related absence. His energy was low, his defense non-existent, and his shooting was off.

Monte Morris – B-

In the first half, Morris shot the lights out, keeping Denver in it. But he finished with four total turnovers and continues to struggle on defense. For all he does well, he’s a weak defender. Just about everyone was Wednesday night.

Jeff Green – C+

Green took five free throw attempts, tying Jokić for the team-high. He was a touch more aggressive than usual on offense, but Green won’t be saving many days that way.

Campazzo – C+

Campazzo struggled from the field but continued to rack up assists with a second unit that played pretty well in the loss, despite a healthy scratch for Bones Hyland. The second unit plays a much healthier brand of basketball when they’re not spamming the Facu-JaMychal Green two-man game.

Zeke Nnaji – B

Nnaji was one rebound away from a double-double. He was the only big off the bench, spending his time at Power Forward and Center, where he fares better than as a de facto wing player. He wasn’t just banished to the perimeter and ignored. It allowed him to factor into the rebounding battle, and he still got four 3s up, knocking down two of them. He also threw down a thunderous dunk in the first quarter. Nnaji got his train back on the tracks if you’re looking for positives.

Markus Howard – Injured

Howard got hot again in the first half, then began to force the issue, and was ultimately helped off the floor, unable to put any pressure on his left leg after a scramble for a loose ball. The Nuggets are only calling it a knee injury so far. No word yet on any structural damage.

Vlatko Cancar – C+

Cancar logged 18:44 in the loss and grabbed seven rebounds during that stretch. He also hustled in transition for a chase-down block of Anthony Edwards late in the game — displaying a level of effort few had to that point. He missed all three field-goal attempts, though.

Bones Hyland – DNP

Hyland was sent home for a violation of team rules, Malone said after the game. He did not elaborate.